Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka ODI Match Preview – 29 August 2025

Date: 29 August 2025
Time: 08:30 GMT / 1:00 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
Format: One Day International (ODI)
Series: Sri Lanka Tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – 1st ODI

Match Overview

The highly anticipated first One Day International (ODI) of the 2025 Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe kicks off on 29 August 2025 at the iconic Harare Sports Club. This match marks the start of a five-match white-ball series comprising two ODIs and three T20Is between the two teams.

Zimbabwe, eager to make a strong statement on home soil, will look to capitalize on the advantage of playing on familiar conditions, while Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, will aim to maintain their consistency in limited-overs cricket ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Team Form and Expectations

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have shown promising form in recent ODIs, particularly in their series against Ireland, where they demonstrated a balanced performance with both bat and ball. The return of experienced players like Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams has added depth and leadership to the squad.

Key Players to Watch:

• Brian Bennett – The top-order batter has been in excellent form, scoring 247 runs in the last ODI series against Ireland.
• Blessing Muzarabani – The pacer is Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs and will be pivotal to their bowling attack.
• Sikandar Raza – A seasoned all-rounder with the ability to change the game with both bat and ball.

Zimbabwe will aim to make a strong start with the bat and exploit any early wickets with their pace attack, particularly on a pitch that could assist seamers.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Charith Asalanka, have been in solid form in limited-overs cricket. Their recent ODI series against Bangladesh saw them clinch a 2-1 series victory, with Kusal Mendis leading the batting charge. The team is well-balanced, with a potent batting lineup and a bowling attack that includes quality spin and pace.

Key Players to Watch:

• Kusal Mendis – The wicketkeeper-batter is the team’s main run-scorer, having scored 225 runs in the last three ODIs.
• Asitha Fernando – The left-arm seamer was the second-highest wicket-taker in the recent series against Bangladesh and is expected to play a key role.
• Maheesh Theekshana – The off-spinner is a crucial asset in the middle overs and against spin-friendly pitches.

Sri Lanka are heavy favorites for this match and will look to dominate from the start, using their experience and quality to outplay Zimbabwe.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka have historically held a strong advantage over Zimbabwe in ODI encounters.
All-time Head-to-Head (ODI):

• Total Matches: 64
• Sri Lanka Wins: 49
• Zimbabwe Wins: 12
• No Result: 3

Sri Lanka’s superior record gives them the psychological edge, although Zimbabwe are always a tough opponent on home soil.

Pitch and Conditions

Harare Sports Club is a well-balanced pitch that favors seamers in the early stages and allows spinners to take control later in the game. With the match likely to be played in overcast conditions, both teams will have to be cautious with their field placements and batting approach.

Key Stats and Match Predictions

• Sri Lanka's chance of winning: 81%
• Zimbabwe's chance of winning: 19%
• Most Runs in Last Series (Zimbabwe): Brian Bennett – 247 runs
• Most Runs in Last Series (Sri Lanka): Kusal Mendis – 225 runs
• Most Wickets in Last Series (Zimbabwe): Blessing Muzarabani – 6 wickets
• Most Wickets in Last Series (Sri Lanka): Asitha Fernando – 8 wickets

Match Prediction

Zimbabwe will look to start the series on a positive note, with their experienced batters and pace attack. However, Sri Lanka are the strong favorites due to their superior depth, consistency, and a commanding head-to-head record.

Expected Margin of Victory: 25-30 runs
Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka

Where to Watch

• Live Streaming (India): FanCode
• Live Streaming (Zimbabwe & Global): Sony Liv
• Live Updates: ESPNcricinfo

Final Thoughts

This first ODI is more than just the opening match of the series—it’s an opportunity for both teams to set the tone. While Zimbabwe will relish the home advantage, Sri Lanka’s depth and experience are likely to shine through. With a stellar batting lineup and a potent bowling attack, the island nation is expected to start the series on a high.

Don’t miss the action on 29 August 2025 at 08:30 GMT (1:00 PM IST) at Harare Sports Club.
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